Youth Group / Grupo de Jóvenes

WHAT IS YOUTH GROUP?

Youth Group is the Faith Formation program for young people in the Seventh through Twelfth Grades.  It serves one of two main purposes:

  • To provide continued growth in the youth’s formation process for those who have previously attended Faith Formation classes on a regular basis; or 
  • To serve as a refresher for youth who have not regularly attended Faith Formation classes.

The program also prepares a youth to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.  For a youth to enter the two-year process of Confirmation, he or she must be in the 8th grade or higher.  It is possible for a youth to receive the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation in the same year, but these sacraments would be received at  separate Mass celebrations.

What does the program do?

As our youth grow in their faith, they are faced by many conflicting values and viewpoints.  Although the Youth Group provides continuing religious education for our youth, it also enables youth to share their feelings and experiences with their peers and group leaders.  In this sharing, youth are guided to make sound decisions on life's issues, using their faith and Church teaching in making these decisions.

The program is also a part of a youth's preparation for the celebration of a Quinceañera.   

When and where are meetings held?

Youth Group meetings are held in various locations on the parish grounds -- location depends on which facility lends itself best to the activities of the day. 

For 7th and 8th graders either starting or completing the process to receive their First Communion or starting the process to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, meetings are held on Friday evenings in one of the classrooms from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

For 9th graders and up who are starting the process to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, meetings are held on Friday evenings in one of the classrooms from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

For 9th graders and up who are completing the process to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, meetings are held on Sunday evenings in either the Church or Parish Hall, and are 1 1/2 hours in length.  Group sessions are facilitated by lay catechists who are young adults.    

During the Coronavirus Pandemic, in-person meetings are being replaced by virtual meetings via Zoom.  

When should youth be enrolled in the program?

Young people should be enrolled in the program when they enter the Seventh Grade in school.     

This program beings in September.  To enroll in this program, complete the Faith Formation Program Registration Form.  If applications are currently being accepted, click here to fill out the form.